A nurse is reviewing the results of a 24-hour urine collection for a client who is 32 weeks pregnant and has suspected pre-eclampsia.
Which of the following findings indicates proteinuria?
Protein excretion of 150 mg
Protein excretion of 250 mg
Protein excretion of 350 mg
Protein excretion of 450 mg
The Correct Answer is D
Protein excretion of 450 mg indicates proteinuria. Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney damage or disease. Normal protein excretion in a 24-hour urine collection is less than 150 mg.
Choice A is wrong because protein excretion of 150 mg is within the normal range.
Choice B is wrong because protein excretion of 250 mg is slightly above the normal range, but not enough to indicate proteinuria.
Choice C is wrong because protein excretion of 350 mg is also above the normal range, but not enough to indicate proteinuria.
Preeclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure and proteinuria, which can harm both the mother and the baby. A 24-hour urine collection is a simple lab test that measures what’s in the urine and checks kidney function. The test is done by collecting all the urine passed in a 24-hour period in a special container that must be kept cool until returned to the lab.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicates hemolysis, which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome.Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells that occurs when they pass through damaged blood vessels.
Choice A is wrong because elevated serum creatinine indicates kidney dysfunction, which is not specific for hemolysis.
Choice C is wrong because elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicates liver damage, which is another component of HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Choice D is wrong because elevated serum uric acid indicates increased purine metabolism, which can be associated with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant. In HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia, its primary therapeutic purpose is to provide seizure prophylaxis by decreasing neuromuscular irritability and excitability.
Choice B rationale: While magnesium sulfate may cause slight vasodilation, it is not an antihypertensive agent. Elevated blood pressure in HELLP syndrome is managed with specific medications like hydralazine, labetalol, or nifedipine.
Choice C rationale: Magnesium sulfate does not function as a diuretic. In fact, adequate urine output is a critical assessment for magnesium toxicity, as the medication is primarily excreted by the kidneys.
Choice D rationale: Magnesium sulfate has no direct effect on bone marrow or platelet production. HELLP syndrome is characterized by low platelets; improvement usually only occurs following delivery or resolving the underlying condition.
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